by Chris Millard

by
Chris Millard
Courage
Wisdom
Honesty
Strength
Office of University Development, MC A120
Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
P.O. Box 852
Hershey, PA 17033-0852
717-531-6086
www.fourdiamonds.org
Four Diamonds – Courage, Wisdom, Honesty and Strength
These were the attributes of Sir Millard, the worthy bearer of the magnificent
Diamonus Quandrus. And these were the attributes he needed to overcome the
evil and unpredictable sorceress, Raptenahad.
In reality, Sir Millard was Christopher Millard, a talented 14 year-old who struggled
for three years to overcome cancer. Sir Millard and The Four Diamonds was
Christopher’s symbolic description of his fight against the evil and unpredictable
cancer. In 1972 Christopher died from the cancer, a type of cancer that in many
instances is curable today.
Christopher’s story, The Four Diamonds, is a legacy of inspiration and hope. It is
reproduced here in the original handwriting of the author. Christopher’s teacher’s
comments and corrections are included.
The Four Diamonds Fund, founded by Christopher’s parents, Charles and Irma,
perpetuates that legacy. Its primary purpose is to provide complete medical, financial
and emotional support for children being treated for cancer at Penn State Children’s
Hospital at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Children’s Hospital and the
Medical Center are part of Penn State University, and the University coordinates the
activities of the Fund.
Since its inception, the Fund has expanded to include support for staff members
who provide comprehensive medical care through a team of pediatric oncologists,
nurse specialists, social workers, child life specialists, a clinical nutritionist, a
clinical psychologist and a music therapist.
Comprehensive care for pediatric cancer patients is costly. It involves a multidisciplinary team for its delivery and is dependent upon research and education
for advances.
The diagnosis of cancer in a child is indeed tragic. It disrupts every aspect of family
balance. Current treatment has offered a possible cure to as many as 80% of children
diagnosed with the majority of childhood cancers.
Christopher’s message is clear. The Four Diamonds – Courage, Wisdom, Honesty and
Strength – will help us to overcome evil. Through The Four Diamonds Fund, each of
us can share in helping children and families in their battle against cancer.
Illustrations by S. Arthur Shoemaker
First Edition – December 1973
Second Edition – March 1977
Third Edition – Januray 1980
Forth Edition – January 1983
Fifth Edition – September 1988
Sixth Edition – October 1998
Seventh Edition – July 2002
© 1973
Charles Lindbergh Millard
and Irma Sondra Millard
Heirs of
Christopher Rusell Millard
Illustrations by S. Arthur Shoemaker
HMC73-46
First Edition — December 1973